World Council for the Welfare of the Blind

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The World Council for the Welfare of the BlindWCWB was an organization of agencies for the blind (visually impaired) established in 1949. It combined with the International Federation of the Blind in 1984 to create the World Blind Union.

History

Initially headquartered in Oxford , England , the WCWB worked to coordinate efforts among various agencies and organizations dedicated to assisting people with blindness across the globe. Over the decades, the WCWB has been significant in uniting voices for the visually impaired, promoting accessible technologies, and influencing disability policies internationally.

In 1984, the WCWB merged with the International Federation of the BlindIFB, forming the World Blind UnionWBU during a founding assembly held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This new organization expanded the WCWB's mission, aiming to provide a unified platform for blind and partially sighted individuals to advocate for their rights on a global scale. Since its inception, the WBU has grown to represent millions of individuals across nearly 190 countries, promoting accessibility, inclusion, and equality for those with visual impairments worldwide. [1] [2]

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References

  1. "World Council for the Welfare of the Blind | UIA Yearbook Profile | Union of International Associations". uia.org. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
  2. "History : World Blind Union". worldblindunion.org. Retrieved 2024-11-10.